Repairing Guides

how to repair main water shut off valve

by Willis Brakus I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Shutoff Replacement Procedure

  • Clogged Valve. Test the “street-side” valve where the water enters the house. ...
  • Loosen the Old Valve. Check out the electrical system “bonding jumper” that runs from a clamp on the house side of the meter to a clamp on the street side.
  • Install the New Valve. You probably have a 3/4-in. pipe leading to and from the leaky valve. ...
  • Leather Washers

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Damaged Main Shutoff Valve - YouTube
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And then you solder on a new valve as quickly as possible now this is using co2. Another device we'MoreAnd then you solder on a new valve as quickly as possible now this is using co2. Another device we've used here is a pipe freezing tool here we'll use the refrigeration.

Full Answer

How do you replace the main water shutoff valve?

Tools Required

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pipe wrench
  • Plumbers tape

How to change main water shutoff valve?

Steps:

  • If the indoor shutoff valve is not stopping water flow, the local water department has access to a shutoff valve near the street and can be called to shut off ...
  • With the water off, open the faucets and showers in the building to drain any water left in the pipes.
  • Use sandpaper to clean the main water line before cutting into it.

More items...

How do I Find my main water shut off valve?

Tips for Locating the Water Shut Off Valve Within the House

  • In most cases, the shut off valve will be near the perimeter of the house.
  • Keep your focus on-grade. ...
  • Track a line from the water meter to the house. ...
  • Sometimes the shut-off valve will be located behind a plastic access panel.
  • A PEX plumbing manifold is a type of plumbing collection point that is increasingly being installed in newer homes. ...

How to repair a damaged main shutoff valve?

Water Main Repair Cost by Type of Repair

  • Main Water Shut-Off Valve Repair. Repairing a broken or leaky shut-off valve for your main water line costs between $150 and $300. ...
  • Main Water Line Leak Repair Cost. Repairing a leaking water main ranges from $300 to $3,000. ...
  • Water Main Break Repair Cost. Repairing a broken section of your water main line averages $400 to $2,000. ...
  • Cost to Solder a Pipe. ...

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Can you repair a water shut-off valve?

First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don't over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.

How much does it cost to replace a main shut-off valve?

It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.

How do you replace a main water valve without turning off water?

0:542:01How To Install A Water Shutoff Without Turning Water Off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean cutter and just slip want to be sharkbite son. With the water and shut up. And shop back allMoreClean cutter and just slip want to be sharkbite son. With the water and shut up. And shop back all the remaining water around the perimeter. And you're good to go.

How do you check the main water shut-off valve?

The test itself is very easy:If applicable, turn on the water at the faucet or hose bib.Turn the water shut-off to the closed position.Verify that the water stops flowing completely with the valve closed.Turn the water shut-off back to the open position.

How long do main water shut off valves last?

You can expect a shut-off valve to last about 10 to 25 years, with an average of 20 years. But, if they are not “exercised” every year or two, there is good chance a valve will be freeze prematurely in the open position just when you really need it to close for a plumbing emergency or repair.

Why do water shut off valves fail?

Shut-Off valve failures (seizing) are most often caused by aging internal components like rubber washers. Lots of plumbing components as well as home appliances within your house require a shut-off valve that allows you to turn off the water promptly and comfortably in the event of a pipes emergency situation.

Can a sharkbite valve be used for main water shut off?

Shark bite valve will be fine. Just make sure you clean the copper pipe thoroughly so there are no rough edges or bits of solder left.

How do you install a main shut off valve?

3:214:47How to Replace a Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI apply heat until the flux bubbles. And then i apply solder to the opposing side of the flame theMoreI apply heat until the flux bubbles. And then i apply solder to the opposing side of the flame the melted solder will pull right around the fitting to make a watertight seal.

What is the best type of water shut off valve?

Ball Valve Ball valves are perhaps the most reliable type of valve and are commonly used for main water shutoffs and for branch line shutoffs. Like gate valves, a ball valve is designed as an all-or-nothing valve—they should be either fully open to allow full flow, or fully closed to stop all water flow.

How do you tell if shut-off valve is broken?

0:103:05How to Repair a Damaged Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt just spins and spins and spins is this the actual valve in the house that's never a good sign. OhMoreIt just spins and spins and spins is this the actual valve in the house that's never a good sign. Oh. No so now it is closed it is broken in the partially. Open conditions.

How do I know if my water valve is bad?

If you have no water pressure throughout the house on both the hot and cold, your PRV may be bad. Make sure you check both the hot and cold water. If there is good pressure on the cold and not the hot it may be an issue with the water heater or the fixture itself.

What does the main water valve look like?

0:331:43How to Find Your Water Shut-Off Valve & Use It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn warmer climates the shut-off valve is likely just outside the house and near an outside faucet inMoreIn warmer climates the shut-off valve is likely just outside the house and near an outside faucet in newer homes you'll find a valve that looks like this to turn off the water.

How do you replace a corroded shut-off valve?

0:303:50How to Replace a Plumbing Shut-Off Valve | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe ferrule goes on to the outside of the copper pipe. And the pipe fits right down into the valve.MoreThe ferrule goes on to the outside of the copper pipe. And the pipe fits right down into the valve. Now as this nut is tightened up onto those threads.

How do you replace a water valve stem?

1:035:25DIY - Replace water shut off valve stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so what I've done here is I've laid out the replacement valve and a gasket that goes on. So theMoreOkay so what I've done here is I've laid out the replacement valve and a gasket that goes on. So the screw here. Then you undo this one. And use crescent wrench usually they're back pots.

How do you install a shut-off valve on an existing water line?

0:532:21How to Install Shutoff Valves | The Home Depot Plumbing TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse your second wrench to turn the nut. Now follow the same process to attach and tighten theMoreUse your second wrench to turn the nut. Now follow the same process to attach and tighten the existing supply lines from the fixture to the new valves.

Where is my outdoor water shut-off?

If you have municipal water service, here's how to find your outside water shut-off valve: Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street.

How to stop a valve from leaking?

Tighten the packing nut. The packing nut makes a watertight seal where the valve stem meets the water line. So, if there is a leak at the valve stem, it probably means the valve is not turned all the way off. The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut.

How to stop water from leaking from washer?

When you tighten the packing nut on your main water shut-off valve, it binds down the packing material against the washer to stop any water from getting through. Over time, though, this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates, which causes the valve to leak. When this happens, you’ll have to replace the packing material by following these steps: 1 Shut off the water from the street at your meter box (turn the valve next to the meter counterclockwise) 2 Turn on a faucet in your house to let out all the water that’s inside your water line 3 Remove the shut-off valve handle 4 Remove the packing nut and any old packing (if it’s made of Teflon or other fibers, a toothpick can be used to pull it out).#N#If you see a rubber gasket instead of Teflon, you’ll have to remove the rubber gasket completely. Since you’ll need to make sure the new washer is the same size as the old one, your best bet is to remove the washer and take it with you to a hardware store so you buy the correct size. 5 Wrap the new packing around the stem 3 times counterclockwise or just replace the rubber washer 6 Screw the packing nut back on, making sure the packing fits tightly into the packing nut. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut 7 Turn the water back on and check for any leaks

How to replace packing material on water meter?

When this happens, you’ll have to replace the packing material by following these steps: Shut off the water from the street at your meter box (turn the valve next to the meter counterclockwise) Remove the packing nut and any old packing (if it’s made of Teflon or other fibers, a toothpick can be used to pull it out).

What causes a globe valve to leak?

If you have an old style gate or globe valve , they are prone to leaking, corrosion and damage , which is an easy way to figure out if that’s what’s causing the leaking.

Can you remove a Teflon gasket?

If you see a rubber gasket instead of Teflon, you’ll have to remove the rubber gasket completely. Since you’ll need to make sure the new washer is the same size as the old one, your best bet is to remove the washer and take it with you to a hardware store so you buy the correct size.

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